Ian Watkins, Lostprophets Paedophile, Has Had His Appeal Rejected

Bad News For Ian Watkins, Good News For Everyone Else
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Former Lostprophets singer and paedophile Ian Watkins has had an appeal against his 29 year jail sentence rejected by the Court of Appeal sitting at Cardiff Crown Court.

The former rock singer, described as a "determined and committed paedophile" during his trial, was handed a 35 year sentence at Cardiff Crown Court last year after admitting 13 sex offences.

Although the 37-year-old did not challenge his convictions, the disgraced rock star believes he was treated too harshly by sentencing judge Mr Justice Royce.

Among the offences he pleaded guilty to was the attempted rape of an 11-month old child as well as encouraging a fan to abuse her baby via webcam.

Appeal judges said his offences were "of such shocking depravity that they demanded a lengthy prison sentence."

One of Watkins' two female accomplices also had her appeal bid turned down.

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South Wales Police released this mug shot of Ian Watkins today

Defending Watkins at today's hearing was QC Sally O'Neil. She said her client was not given enough discount for pleading guilty.

She said: "This case causes a very disturbing reaction for anyone who has has anything to do with it. We accept these matters are very serious.

"But by pleading guilty my client averted the need for a most distressing and unpleasant trial for all those concerned, especially a jury.

"He did not have to plead guilty and if he had done so the consequences would have been shocking.

" I am not trying to minimise the gravity of these offences, just simply make the observation that a sense of proportion needs to be maintained.

"These offences, however bad, are not the worst."

A panel of judges at Cardiff Crown Court decide the convicted paedophile did not have grounds for appeal.

Watkins was handed a minimum 29 year jail term as well as an additional six years on licence.

Police also found a stash of child porn videos - some of which he had made himself.

Originally, Watkins had pleaded his innocence to a string of offences - despite damning video evidence.

However, he changed his plea at the last minute - averting a trial - but then complained he had not realised that his guilty plea had made him "look guilty".

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Ian Watkins of Lostprophets

While awaiting sentencing, he was recorded by prison officials saying the whole thing was "megalolz" during a telephone call to a friend.

Mr Justice Royce called Watkins a dangerous sexual predator.

As he sentenced the singer last December, the judge told a now grey haired Watkins: "The public and, in particular, young females need protection from you."

Watkins' two accomplices, Woman A and Woman B, were jailed for 14 years and 16 years respectively.